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LIST: Back-to-school events to help families in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

Jacksonville-area Verizon Wireless stores will give away free backpacks in hopes to ease financial burden of back-to-school season. (Verizon Wireless)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Summer break is about to come to an end, and thousands of families across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are already preparing for the upcoming school year.

While for some shopping for school supplies is a fun activity, a new WalletHub survey showed most parents think schools are asking too much when it comes to their back-to-school shopping list.

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According to the survey, 70% believe schools want families to buy too much, and 86% of parents think the cost of education is out of control. In addition, 52% said they expect to pay more than last year.

RELATED | Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday begins on Monday

Fortunately, there are many events across our area for families that may need some help this back-to-school season.

Here’s a list of upcoming back-to-school events in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia:

Did we miss an event? Email WebTeam@wjxt.com to have your event added to our list.

11th Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway Presented by FOBL in Jacksonville

The Friends of Brentwood Library (FOBL) will hold the 11th Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Brentwood Branch Library. FOBL will be giving away more than 400 backpacks filled with school supplies for students registered for the giveaway. Registration is required for the backpack giveaway.

To register, fill out the form on the back of the flyer and return it to Brentwood Branch Library, 3725 N. Pearl St. A raffle drawing for a $300 clothes shopping spree for registered students will also be provided at the event.

For more information, call (904)-705-3125.

2024 Back-To-School Block Party in St. Augustine

Tobacco Free St. Johns will host its 2024 Back-To-School Block Party at The Webster School in St. Augustine on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Attendees will be able to get free wellness services such as medical, hearing, vision tests, and more. Organizers will also be providing school supplies to all students.

THE BIG GIVE in Jacksonville

Oceanway Church will give away free haircuts, groceries and school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Address: 143 Oceanway Avenue in Jacksonville. For more information visit this website.

9th Annual Wegotchu Back to School Celebration in Jacksonville

Families are encouraged to attend the 9th Annual Wegotchu Back to School Celebration on Aug. 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Willow Trail Apartments on Mindanao Drive in Jacksonville.

Attendees will receive free backpacks and food. The mission of this event is to help children and families in need by providing the resources they need to thrive this back-to-school season.

Wegotchu Back to School Celebration (Wegotchu)
2024 Back to School Bash

Harvest Ministries Jax will host its annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Attendees will get free community resources, school supplies, health screenings, and more. Address: 2550 Fouraker Rd in Jacksonville.

Back 2 School Supplies Giveaway

Glorious Bethlehem Temple will hold its annual back-to-school service. People who attend its Sunday service on Aug. 4 will get backpacks with school supplies at 10:30 a.m. Address: 2051 Ashland St. in Jacksonville.

Elevate Life Church Backpack Giveaway

Elevate Life Church will host a back-to-school party on Saturday, Aug. 10 at its Oakleaf location or at all locations on Sunday, Aug. 11. Attendees will enjoy free food, bounce houses, cotton candy and more. Plus, there will be free backpacks full of school supplies, while supplies last. For a list of locations visit this website.

Baggett Law Backpack Giveaway

Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers will host a backpack and school supplies giveaway on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Academy Elementary.

While the event is for Twin Lakes Academy Elementary students, Baggett Law is also extending the offer to any students in the community who may need a free backpack.

Baggett Law Backpack Giveaway (Baggett Law)
Back-to-school giveaway

Florida Prince Hall Masons are hosting a back-to-school giveaway from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 3 at 410 Broad St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202.

The event will include free school supplies, fun & food, free haircuts, bounce houses, medical vendors and free school computers for those who qualify.

Back to School giveaway (WJXT)
8th Annual Tools 4 School Jax Giveaway

The 8th Annual Tools 4 School giveaway event will be held on Aug. 3 from 12 to 2 p.m. Attendees will enjoy free refreshments, live music, school supplies (for children ages 5-17) and more. Address: 6804 Norwood Avenue in Jacksonville.

If you’d like to donate to this event read the information in the flyer below.

8th Annual Tools 4 School Jax Giveaway (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)
Ascension St. Vincent’s Community Back-to-School Event

Ascension St. Vincent’s will donate backpacks full of school supplies to local students during an event from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 3 in Arlington.

There will also be food trucks, snacks, crafts and more fun for families at the Ascension St. Vincent’s Arlington Emergency center at 9820 Hutchinson Park Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32225.

The event is open to everyone in the community.

Students must be present to receive a backpack and supplies.

Ascension medical provider hospitals and clinics in the Jacksonville, Florida and souther Georgia market. (Graham Washatka - www.grahamimages.net)
Back to School Fun Day

The Waldo Community New Vision Coalition will host its Back to School Fun Day event on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. in Waldo.

Organizers will be giving away free backpacks and school supplies. Plus, the event will have many fun activities such as water slides, face painting, games, music and more.

Open Arms Community Church Back to School Giveaway

Open Arms Community Church will host a giveaway event on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees will receive free bookbags, supplies and food. Address: 2763 Dunn Avenue in Jacksonville.

Back to School Giveaway (Open Arms Community Church)
Pack the Sack 2024

Walmart will join Jacksonville City Council Member Terrance Freeman and local partners to host Pack the Sack 2024 on Saturday, Aug. 3. They will be providing 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies. Plus, there will be other giveaways, music, and fun, as the community prepares to start the new school year. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: Prime Osborn Convention Center at 1000 Water Street in Jacksonville.

Pack the Sack 2024 (Walmart)

About the Author
Marcela Camargo headshot

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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